Electrical circuit protective device



Dec. 11, 1945.

F. 5. WHEELER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICE 'iled Dec. 26, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 nnl ' INVENTOR Wheeler I B r f l n-roimI;

Dec. 11, 1945. 5. WHEELER 2,390,319

ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICE Filed Dec. ,26, 1942 s Shets-Sheet 2 Insulation WITNESSES: INVENTOR gar 1 7961.61 Wheeler Patented Dec. 11, 1945 ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICE Floyd S. Wheeler, Arlington, Va., assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 26, 1942, Serial No. 470,195

13 Claims.

The invention relates to electrical circuit protective devices or circuit interrupters for automatically effecting interruption of the circuit in response to predetermined abnormal conditions in the circuit.

An object of the invention is the provision of an improved circuit protective device or circuit interrupter of simple and economical construction adapted to satisfactorily meet various requirements in the protection of electrical circuits.

Another object of the invention is the provision of improved circuit controlling apparatus adapted to automatically cause interruption of the circuit after a predetermined time delay in response to a continued abnormal condition in the circuit and also operable instantaneously to cause interruption of the circuit upon the occurrence of an overload current above a predetermined magnitude in the circuit.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a circuit breaker with an improved tripping means for tripping the breaker after a time delay in response to a continued overload and for tripping the breaker instantaneously upon the occurrence of a heavy overload or short circuit condition.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved circuit controlling device comprising an electromagnet having a single movable armature which is magnetically actuated in one direction after a time delay in response to a continued abnormal circuit condition to eiiect a circuit controlling operation and which is instantaneously actuated in the opposite direction upon the occurrence of a heavy overload or short circuit condition to eilect a circuit controlling operation.

In accordance with the invention, an electromagnet structure is provided having a movable armature and two parallel magnetic circuits having poles on opposite sides of the armature for moving the armature in opposite directions, One of the poles is closer to the armature than the other and a part of magnetic circuit through this pole is arranged to become saturated at normal rated current or some relatively low value of overload current. The armature is attracted by the closer pole and a time delay device is provided which normally restrains the armature from moving to the closer pole. Upon the occurrence of a continued overload or other abnormal condition, the time delay device after a time delay releases the armature thereby allowing it to move to attracted position against the closer pole.

I Upon the occurrence of a heavy overload or shortcircuit condition, the armature is instantaneously attracted to the more remote pole due to the large increase in flux. Movement of the armature in either direction operates a pair of contacts to electrically trip a circuit breaker, or directly mechanically trips a circuit breaker mechanism. The time delay device in accordance with one embodiment is a current responsive bimetal latch which provides inverse time delay. A modification of the invention utilizes a conventional time delay structure such as an oil sucker pot in place of the bimetal latch. Another modification utilizes an undervoltage device for restraining the armature to provide undervoltage protection.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, both as to structure and mode of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description of several embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a somewhat schematic view of circuit controlling apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 11-11 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a circuit breaker embodying a modification of the invention wherein the electromagnetic device is arranged to directly mechanically trip the breaker mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a partial view showing somewhat schematically another modification of the invention utilizing a mechanical time delay device which provides a time delay on overloads up to the instantaneous operating point, and

Fig. 5 is a partial view showing somewhat schematically another modification of the invention which provides undervoltage protection.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 9 designates a circuit breaker which may be of any conventional construction either of the air break, oil break or gas blast type. The circuit is schematically shown as comprising stationary and movable contacts II and I3 and a trip-free operating mechanism consisting ofan operating toggle l5, and a linkage I! supporting the outer end of the toggle and normally held in' operative thrust transmitting position by latching means I9 which is adapted to be released to trip the breaker by means of a trip solenoid 2| that has a movable core 22 which is moved upwardly to release the latch 19 upon energization of the winding of the solenoid 2|. The circuit breaker is connected in and contro1s a main circuit represented by the single line 23 which may be a motor circuit or other power circuit. Although shown as a single pole breaker, it will be understood that the breaker may be of the conventional multipole type in which the contacts of all poles are simultaneously operated by a single operating mechanism such as that schematically shown. The circuit breaker is adapted to be closed by any suitable closing means (not shown) which moves the toggle to the extended overset position shown. Tripping operation of the breaker is effected upon energization of the tripping solenoid 2| which releases the latch I9 which permits the toggle and linkage to collapse and the breaker to be opened by its opening spring means shown schematically at 25. The linkage I! automatically resets i n engagement with the latch [9 immediately following tripping of the breaker.

In order to provide satisfactory protectionto electric meter equipmehtor ether apparatus and 'fiductrs of the cir nit, it is desirableto previde for automatically tripping the circuit breaker after a time delayv response to continued overload conditions and also instantaneously upcnthe occurrence "or a heavy overload 6r i rcui't condition. In accordance with the m ent i the v i i e fi weih Fielthi pro ion is provided by an overload responsive device in the forfn of a relay for controlling operation (if the circuit breaker tripping means 2|.

The relay 21, comprises a magnetizable structure indicated generallyat 29 supportedon an insulating base 3l by brackets 33, a 'cooperating movable armature 35 for controlling relay contacts 3l3$l, an energizing conductor means o r winding for energizing the magne'tiztalblestruc ure and armature, and a time delayj device assisting of a current responsive bimetal element 413. V a f The inagnetizable core structure made up f. -r apedme b han an t b e b ti e m net c m eri l w ic v pr v ew n'rIain magnetic circuit completed by the arnia ture 35. In parallel with the bar 4'l is a looped shaped shunting member QQ of magnetic material secured at its inner end to L-shaped member '45 adjacent the bar ll. The member 49 is of crcss sectionthan the magnetic members lS and 4]. and encircles the core 45 and arrn tu're 35 le av ing a relatively small air gap as at 5' I betweenthe armature and the outer end 53 of the loop. The bar 4! is adjustably secured to the inner end of the L-shaped member 45 by means of a screw 55 which passes through an elongated slot 56 in the bar 41 and threads into the end of the Lshaped member 45. The

basis adjustable to change the length bf the air gap betweeh the outer end of the bar ll and the free end of the armature 35 to thereby select the magnitude of overload current above which the armature will be instantaneously attracted to the bal'rfi"! to actuate the relay. This air gap is cons1 erabi page; than the air gap 5|. The win ing 4| is connete'd in series in the main circuit 23 150 thatth'e magnetic structure will be energizeu in a predetermined response to the current of the: circuit, p The armature 35 has an arm 54 secured therearena the armature is pivotally mounted on the care nemter as by a pivot pig; 58 supported in sle plate'sfil 'of magnetic material secured on opposite sides of the core member 45 adjacent the outer end thereof. Apair" ofs'biihgs shown schematically at BI and 63 serve to bias the armature to its normal intermediate position as shown in Fig. 1.

The relay contact 39 is mounted on the extending end of the arm 54 and is disposed between the cooperating stationary contacts 31. Contacts 31 and 39 are connected in series in an energizing circuit 61 for the circuitbreaker trip coil 2|, energy being supplied to the circuit 6'! from an auxiliary source of electrical energy represented by the supply lines Ell-H. Movement of the armature in either direction closes the contacts 3|39 thereby completing the energizing circuit 61 to elfect'op'eration 'of the circuit breaker tripping solenoid 2|.

The eurrent responsive bimetal element 43 comprises a strip of bimetallic material fixedly mounted at its inner end on a bracket 13 secured to'th'e base 3|. The outer end of the bimetal element carries alatch 15 which norrnally is adapted to engage outer side t me ire'leeridiofthe armature at tore str in the 'amature from be g movdtb attracted position against. the outer 'Id '53 of the magnetic shunting loop '49. This end 53 forming oneof the two. poles r theliiagheuc structure the other pole being the outer end of ere t The bimeta'l element 43 is adapte m be "t e in respcnse to the current of the; maincirc 23 as by a heating conductor or heater TL whi V niay be connectedin series in the circuit 23 as shown in Fig. l The construction of the" bimetal ele mm and its heater is fs'i'ich that a dominates flow of normal rated current in thecircuit 23 does first pro uce substantially anycefl1ct 1cnj or w rni bfjth' en asem t H w ve heating f the bimetal element in response to continued overload currents issuflicient to produce deflection thereoL'an'cl n the bimetal e ement becomes heated a'pre'determined amount by overload current, it deflects or war s downwar ly away f lf6n1 the magnetic "structure, causing the latch 15.110 c1 'ge mearmature 35, thereby permitting th armature '35 to be moved mat tracte'd position against the'end or pole 5'3 or the shunting loop 49. This movement of the ajr'rfia- {cure rfectsrlo or the relay contacts 31- 39, {thereby efiect g energ zation or the .irciiit breaker tripping fs'olenoid 2| I and tripping of the circuit breaker QJADHE to the time required tb hetthe bi ijn'etal element suffici t arncuntto rance deflection trier-ear, t e bi intrcduces atirne delay in'the relay in response ,to overload "c1 redeterminedmagnitude- Tht e'd Jay. 's inversely as the magnitude of the overload current. V

Ah adjusting ccinpnsin'g a spring wand main magneticlcircuit ieir'tnds through e L- shaped core member rid bar 41 the the aux magnetic circuit e ends through core] ber 45 m shit g 160jp 49. both circuits ing completed v throughthe armature 35.1 The outer endfof the bar 41 forms one pelefef the magnet structure, and the outer end 53 of the shunting 49 rofiiri's the other pole 'o'ftii rfi'iagfit '-Strllctlil" i S 6h til elite of the drmatu'rq as I V nernagnet shining. lddp dll is a I saturate atapproxirnately r1111 "rated load 'current of the main circuit 23, and the design of the magnetic structure is such that at all operating loads the armature 35 will be attracted rather strongly towards the pole 53 of the magnetic shunting loop because of the relatively small air gap as compared to the larger air gap between the armature and the bar 41. On heavy overloads above a predetermined magnitude, for example, above eight to ten times normal rated current of the circuit, and on short circuits, a strong magnetic field will be built up in the main magnetic circuit through the bar 41, and consequently the armature 35 will be instantly moved to attracted position against the pole of the bar 41, thereby efiecting closing of the relay contacts 3'! and 39 to energize the circuit breaker tripping solenoid 2I. As previously explained, the bar 41 is adjustable to adjust the instantaneous operating point ofthe relay.

The operation of the apparatus is briefly as follows. Upon the occurrence of the continued overload below the aforementioned predetermined magnitude, the bimetal element 43 becomes heated thereby, and, when heated a predetermined amount, warps downwardly releasing the armature 35, whereupon the armature moves in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot 58 to its attracted position against the pole 53 of the magnetic shunting loop 49. This movement of the armature closes the relay contacts 3! and 39 to complete the energizing circuit for the circuit breaker tripping solenoid 2|, thereby caus ing the circuit breaker to be tripped to open circuit position interrupting the main electrical circuit 23. Upon interruption of the main electrical circuit, the relay becomes deenergized and the armature 35 immediately returns to its normal intermediate position as shown in Fig. 1, the bimetal element 43 cools and returns the latch I5 into latching engagement with the armature 35. The circuit breaker mechanism linkage I'I immediately resets following a tripping operation and consequently the circuit breaker may be reclosed as soon as the relay has returned to its normal position as shown in Fig. 1.

Upon the occurrence of an overload above the predetermined magnitude, or upon the occurrence of a short circuit, a strong magnetic field builds up in the main magnetic circuit including the bar 41, and the armature 35 is consequently immediately moved in a clockwise direction to attracted position against the pole of the bar 41. This movement of the armature closes the relay contacts 3! and 39 to thereby complete the energizing circuit of the circuit breaker tripping solenoid 2| to effect tripping of the circuit breaker. tripped instantaneously without any time delay, thereby protecting the main electrical circuit or the motor from damage by heavy overloads or short circuits. cuit is thus interrupted, the circuit breaker mechanism resets and the relay returns to its normal position.

A modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. In accordance with this modification the overload responsive device is in the form of a trip device for mechanically tripping the circuit breaker mechanism in response to overload conditions. The main circuit breaker structure, except for the trip device, is generally similar to the main circuit breaker structure shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of Patent No. 2,162,577, issued to H. S. Gano June 13, 1939, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The

As soon as the cir- In this case the circuit breaker is circuit breaker in this instance is a three-pole circuit breaker which is mounted in an insulating casing comprising a base 8| of molded insulating material and a removable cover 83 also oi molded insulating material. Each pole of the circuit breaker includes a stationary contact 85, cooperating movable contact 01 and an are extinguisher 89. The stationary contact is mounted on the inner end of a terminal strip SI and the movable contact 81 is carried by the free end of a spring steel contact arm 93 secured to a rotatably mounted switch member 95. The movable contact is electrically connected by a flexible shunt conductor 91 to one of the overload responsive tripping means, the other terminal of which is electrically connected to a terminal conducting strip 99.

The three movable switch members are mechanically connected for simultaneous movement together by means of a pivot shaft IOI, the center section of which is supported by side walls of a U-shaped main frame I03. Switch members 95 of the outer poles (not shown) are secured to the outer sections of the pivot shaft but insulated therefrom and from each other by insulating connecting hubs I05. The outer ends of the sectional pivot shaft are supported in brackets (not shown) mounted adjacent the sides of the base 8 I.

A single operating mechanism is provided for simultaneously actuating the contact means of all three poles of the breaker to open and to closed circuit position. The operating mechanism is mounted on the main frame I03 and comprises a U-shaped operating member I01, the legs of which are pivoted on the sides of the main frame by pivots I09, a releasable carrier lever I I I pivoted on the main frame by a pivot shaft H3, a pair of toggle links H5 and Ill, and a pair of overcenter springs II9 (only one being shown). The toggle links I I5 and II! are connected together by a knee pivot pin I2I and the inner link is connected by the pivot pin I23 to the center pole switch member 95. The other toggle link II! is pivotally connected at its outer end by a pivot I 25 to the releasable carrier lever l I I. The overcenter springs have their outer ends connected to the bight portion of the U-shaped operating member I01 and their inner ends connected to the knee pivot pin l2I. The operating member I01 has a handle I21 of insulating material secured to the outer end thereof, and a knob portion of the handle extends through an elongated slot provided therefor in the cover 83. The carrier lever III is always biased in a counterclockwise direction (as Viewed in Fig. 3) about its pivot I [3 by a component of the force of the overcenter springs. The lower end of this lever is adapted to be normally engaged and restrained by a main latch I29 to hold the carrier lever in normal operative position shown in Fig. 3. In this normal position the lever provides a fixed pivot for the outer end of the operating toggle so that the breaker contacts can be manuall operated to open and closed position by the operating handle. When the breaker is in closed position the carrier lever is held latched and acts through the operating toggle to hold the cont-acts locked in closed position until the carrier is released by the latch or until the contacts are manually operated to open position.

When the carrier lever II I is releasedb the latch I29, the circuit breaker is automatically actuated to open position by the springs II9 irrespective of the position of the handle I21, that is, even if the handle is held in closed position.

through the trip bar.

Thus the circuit breaker mechanism is trip-free of the handle I21. The circuit breaker contacts are adapted tobe manually operated toopen position by movement of the handle I21 downwards ly to its off position- This movement of the handle moves the line of action of the overcenter springs below the pivot I25, whereupon the springs operate the toggle to collapsed position, thereby causing actuation of the contacts to open position with a snap action. To manually close the circuit breaker; the operating handle is moved upwardly to the on position as shown in Fig 3. This closing movement of the handle moves the line of action of the s rings H 9 above thepivct I25, thereby causing the toggle to be actuated by the springs to the extended overset position shown effecting closing of the contacts with asnap action.- The latch I29 is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin I3I s'upported'by the side walls of the 7 frame I03, the latch being provided with spaced legs which pivotally engage the pivot pin An upper angular extension of the latch I29 is provided with a rectangular aperture or slot.

The outer end edge of this slot forms a latch surface which engages and restrains the carrier lever III. The opposite ended e of the slbt is adapted to be engaged by the free end of the cariii-3r lever III to reset the latch I29 to latching position when the carrier lever- III is manually reset to its latched position after a tripping operation "of the lever. The latch I29 is also protitled with downwardly extending portion I32 having a rectangular'aperture or slot I33 therein. A trip bar I35 of insulating material extends transversely across the three poles of the breaker and is mounted for rotation about its. longitudinal axis by shaft I31 embedded in and extending The projecting ends of the shaft I31 are supported in brackets (not shown) secured'to the breaker baseon the opposite sides thereof. An arcuate metal latch piece I39 is embedded in the bar adjacent the center thereof in alignment with the rectangular slot as. In the latching position of the parts the carrier lever I I I is latched by the main latch I29 'aild this main latch isin turn held in latching position by the latch piece I39, the lower end of the extension I3I bearing against the arcuate eagecf the latch piece I39. A spring I4I coiled about the'pivot pin I3I biases the main latch I29 in unlatching direction and biases the trip bar to latching position. A plurality of spaced projec'tion's I43 are formed on the trip bar, one for each of the th'ree poles of the breaker.

The trip bar is adapted to be partia'lly rotated in a counterclockwisedirection to trip the circuit breaker in response to predetermined overload conditions in thecircuit of any pole of the breaker. When the trip bar is thus rotated to tripping position the latch piece I39 moves from under the lower ehd o f the main latch extension I32 thereby permitting the main latch 1 29 to release the carrier le'VerI ll. Whenthe carrier 'lever is thus released, "the contacts of the breaker are "no longe-rheld in closed position, and conseque n'tly the'overcenter springs I'I"9'quickly actuate the three movable contacts to'open position. The carrier lever III is rotated by the springs in a counterc'lockwise direction about its pivot I13 andfdu'ri'n'g this movementthepivo't'pin F25 isshiit-ed above the line or action of the springs I'IQ, "whereu on the toggle ecuap'ses and the handl ii's move'd toan ihter mediate indicating "position. The carrier lvr- 'II'l must be reset to latched position before the-breaker can be closed again, and for this purposethe operating member I01 has a resetting projection I45, which engages and moves the carrier lever III back to its latching position when the operating handle I21 is moved downwardly slightly beyond the off position to reset the mechanism. During the resetting movement the free end of the carrier lever moves into the aperture'of the upper inclined projection of the main latch I29 and restores the main latch to latching position, whereupon the spring I'4I returns th trip bar to its latching position as shown. The main circuit breaker structure as thus far described in detail is substantially similar to the .main circuit breaker structure disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 of the .aforementioned Patent No. 2,162 ,577

Each pole of the breaker is provided with a pivoted trip arm I41 pivoted at its inner end on the base SL The outer end of each .triparm I41 is disposed adjacent a corresponding one of the trip bar projections I43,'and :this outer end of the trip arm carries a screw I49 for engaging the projection I43 to actuate the trip bar to trip,- ping position upon upward movement of the trip arm I61. Each pole of the circuit breaker .is provided with an overload current responsive .trip device 21' which .is of. substantially the same construction as the device 21 of the original embodiment, except that the arm to which the armature is secured in :this modification is adapted to mechanically actuate the trip bar of the circuit breaker upon. operation thereof instead of operating relay contacts. Since the structure of the overload responsive device 21' is essenti'a'lly the same as that of the device 21 of the original embodiment with the exception "noted above, the same reference characters have been used to designate the corresponding parts, all of whichfunction in the same manner as described in'the original'embodiment in the operation of. th'edevice. The upper endofthe-armature arm 59' cooperates with a cam I5'I'on th corresponding trip arm I41,'the cam being provided with inclined portions so that movement of the armature 35 in either direction will produce upward movement of the trip arm I41 to actuate the trip bar I35 to tripping position, releasing the circuit breakermecham'sm. The flexiblelshunt conductor 91 of the circuit breaker pole is connected to one end of the magnet winding 4|, the other end of the winding being connected by a conductor I53to the heater 11. The heater is,'in turn, connected by a conductor 156 to th'e'lower terminal strip 99 of the breaker. The Winding '4I' and th heater 11 are thus connectedin series with'the contacts of the breaker so as to be energized in-response to the current of the circuit of the corresponding pole.

As in the case of the original embodiment, the armature 35 is attracted strongly to the pole at the outer end of the magneticshuntingloop '49 during norma'l current conditions and also on overload currents up to the predetermined magnitude which may be eight to ten times the normal rated current of the circuit breaker. Movement of the armature to thi .pole .is normally prevented, however, by the bimetal element 43.

Upon the occurrence of a continued overload in the circuit of any pole of the'circuit breaker, the corresponding birnetal element 43 is heated-by the overload current, and, when heated a predetermined amount, releases 'its-armaturer35, thereby permitting movement of the armature to attracted position-against the pole at the outer end of the magnetic shunting loop 49. This movement of the armature acts through the cam II to move the corresponding trip arm I41 upwardly, thereby actuating the trip bar I35 to tripping position which causes automatic opening of the circuit breaker in the manner previously described. Fo'llowing a tripping operation the trip device 21' resets to its normal position as shown, and the circuit breaker mechanism may be manually reset in the previously described manner.

Upon the occurrence of a, heavy overload above the predetermined magnitude or a short-circuit in any pole of the circuit breaker, the armature 35 of the trip device of the corresponding pole is immediately moved to attracted position against the bar 41. This movement of the armature acts through the cam I5I to move the trip arm I41 upwardly, thereby effecting movement of the trip bar I35 to tripping position causing automatic opening of th circuit breaker. In this case tripping of the breaker is effected instantaneously without any time delay action.

Another modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 4. The overload responsive protective relay shown in Fig. 4 is of essentially the same construction as the relay shown in Fig. 1 and described in connection therewith except that the bimetal latch is omitted and a time delay device in the form of a liquid dashpot of the sucker type is substituted in place of the bimetal latch for normally restraining the armature 35 from bein attracted to the magnetic shunting loop. Also in this modification the magnetic shunting loop is made slightly longer so as to provide a slightly greater air gap between the armature and the magnetic shunting loop, so that the armature will be attracted strongly to this loop only in response to overload currents and not in the case of normal rated current flow. The parts which are of identical construction to those of the relay shown in Fig. 1 have been indicated by the same reference characters in Fig. 4, and they function in substantially the same manner. As explained above, the magnetic shunting loop 49' is made of such length that the air gap 5I' is slightly greater than the air gap 5I of the Fig. 1 embodiment, so that the armature 35 will only be attracted to this loop strongly enough to opcrate the relay in response to overload current and not in response to normal rated current. The time delay device in this embodiment of the invention comprises an oil pot I55 having a fixed suction element I51 secured to the bottom thereof. The suction element I51 cooperates with a movable suction element I59 which is connected by a rod I6I to a pivoted lever I63 which engages the outer side of the armature'35 adjacent the free end thereof. The lever I63 is biased to the restraining position shown by means of a spring I65, the lever being pivoted by a pivot I61 to a fixed frame I69. A body of oil or other viscous liquid is disposed in the pot I55 and the suction elements I51 and I59 have highly polished surfaces which are adapted to engage beneath the liquid in the pot I55. These suction surfaces adhere strongly to one another and provide a substantially fixed time delay prior to releasing the armature 35 in response to a continued overload up to the predetermined magnitude. The relay contacts 31 and 39 of this embodiment are adapted to control the tripping solenoid of a circuit breaker in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1.

The operation of the modification shown in Fig. 4 is briefly as follows. During the continuance of normal current conditions in the main circuit, the attractive force developed in the magnetic shunting loop 49' is insufficient to move the armature 35 to attracted position to the pole 53 against the force of the springs 63 and I65. However, upon the occurrence of a continued overload below the predetermined magnitude, for example, below eight to ten times the normal rated current of the circuit breaker in the circuit, sufficient magnetic flux is developed in the shunting loop 49' to actuate the armature 35 to attracted position against the pole 53. The time I delay device I55-I59, however, introduces a time delay to delay actuation of the armature for a predetermined time interval. If the overload condition should cease before the elapse of the time interval the armature will not be actuated. Actuation of the armature to-attracted position against the pole 53 causes closing of the relay contacts-3139 to effect a tripping operation of the main circuit breaker.

Upon the occurrence of an overload above the predetermined magnitude or a short-circuit, the energizing winding II will be energized sufficiently to build up a strong magnetic field in the main magnetic circuit 45-41 sufiicient to instantaneously actuate the armature 35 to attracted position against the bar 41. This movement of the armature closes the relay contacts 31 39 to cause a tripping operation of the main circuit breaker.

A further modification of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 5. In the modification of Fig. 5, the structure of the relay device is identical to that of the Fig. l embodiment except that in this modification an undervoltage responsive device indicated generally at I1I is substituted in place of the current responsive bimetal latch device utilized in the Fig. 1 embodiment. The parts of the relay which are identical to those of the Fig. 1 embodiment have beenindicated by the same reference characters. The undervOltage device I1I comprises a, stationary U-shaped magnet core I13, a cooperating pivoted armature I15 pivoted on the core I13 at I11, and an energizing winding I19 which is adapted to be connected to the main circuit so as to be responsive to the voltage thereof. An extension I8I of the armature I15 is adapted to normally engage the outer side of the relay armature 35 to normally restrain movement of the relay armature 35 to attracted position against the magnetic shunting loop 49. A spring I 83 serves to bias the undervoltage armature I15 to holding position against the stationary core I13 and to return this armature to holding position following an undervoltage release operation. A dashpot device I85 of the sucker type comprising a movable sucker element I81 and a stationary sucker element I89 is provided for delaying a release operation of the undervoltage device for a predetermined time interval in order to prevent the undervoltage device from releasing the relay armature in response to transient or temporary undervoltage conditions in the main circuit. The relay contacts 31 and 39 are adapted to control energization of the tripping solenoid of the circuit breaker the same as in the Fig. 1 embodiment, and the energizing winding II is connected to the main circuit controlled by the breaker so as to be energized in response to the current of the main circuit. This embodiment of the invention having the undervoltage release feature is particularly applicable to the protection of inductive load circuits such as motor circuits.

fI'he operation of the modification shown in Fig. is briefly as follows. At all normal operating loads and on overloads up to the predetermined magnitude, which may be any desired value, the relay armature 35 will be attracted relatively strong y to the magnetic shunting loop 49. Actuation of the armature to attracted position against the shunting loop 49 is prevented, however, during normal voltage conditions in the main circuit by the undervoltage device Hi. When the voltage of the main circuit drops a predetermined amount, for example, below 70% of the normal voltage of the circuit, and this drop in voltage persists for a predetermined time in-,

terval. the undervoltage armature I15 releases the relay armature 35 whereupon the relay armature is actuated to attracted position against the pole 53 of the magnetic shunting loop, thereby causing c osing of the relay contacts 3-1-39 and tripping operation of the main circuit breaker. Immediately following interruption of the circuit by the main circuit breaker, the relay armature 35 is restored to its normal intermediate position by the spring '63, and the undervoltage armature I15 is restored to its holding position by the biasing spring I83. If the undervoltage condition is only of a transient nature, the time delay device I85 preventsrelease of the undervoltage armature, so that if the undervoltage condition clears itself within the time interval provided by the device I85, the relay 35 will not be operated in response to the undervoltagecondition.

Upon the occurrence of an overload above the predetermined magnitude determined by the setting of the magnet bar 41, sufficient magnetic flux will be set up in the main magnetic circuit 454-! to instantaneously operate the relay armature 35 toattracted position againstthe magnetic bar "41. This movement of the armature closes the relay contacts 31-39 and thereby efiects tripping operation of the main circuit breaker in response to the overload or shortcircuit condition. q

While the invention has been disclosed in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, it is to be understood that various changes in the structural details. combinations, and argangement-oi partsmay be made without departing from some of the essential features of the invention. It is desired, therefore, that the language of the appended claims be given the broadest reasonable interpretation permissible in the light of the prior art.

I claim. as my invention:

1. Circuit controlling apparatus comprising, contact means, a magnetic structure having a movable armature for controlling said contact means two poles on, opposite sides of saidarmature, said armature being movable in opposite. directions from a normal unattracted, position and causing. actuation of said contact means upon movement in either; direction, a conductor for energizing said magnetic structure, one. of said poles being nearer said. armature than theother and said armature being attracted more strongly to. the nearer pole ,and moved. to: said nearer pole in response, to: certain values. ofv current through said conductor'upto, a pnedeter-- mined magnitude and being attracted more strongly to said other pole. and moved to said: other pole when. the current through said con-- ductor' exceeds said predetermined magnitude, and time delay meansnormally restraining said. armature from moving to. said nearer pole,

2. Circuit controlling apparatus" comprising contact means, electromagnetic means including a stationary magnetic structure, a movable armature for controlling "operation of said content means, conductor means for energizing said magnetic structure, said magnetic structure having two flux paths, said armature being movablein opposite directions from a normal unattracted position and causing actuation of said contact means upon movement in either direction, the magnetic flux in one of said flux paths acting to move said armature in one direction in response to overload currents in a certain range up to a predetermined magnitude and the magnetic flux in the other of said flux paths instantaneously movinglsaid'armature in the other direction upon the occurrence of an overload current above said predetermined magnitude, means releasably restraining said armature from moving in said one direction and. operable to release said armature, and time delay means normally delaying re lease of said armature and movement thereof in said one direction by the magnetic flux oi said one flux path.

3. Circuit controlling apparatus comprising contact means, electromagnetic means including a magnetic structure, a movable armature for controlling operation of said contact means, conductor means for energizing said magnetic structure, said magnetic structure having two magnetic circuits, said armature being movable in opposite directions from a normal unattracted position and causing actuation of said contact means upon movement in either direction, the magnetic flux of one of said magnetic circuits acting to move said armature in one direction when the current through said conductor means is within a predetermined range up to a predee termined magnitude and the magnetic flux of the other of said circuits effecting movement of said armature in the opposite direction upon the flow of current in excess of said predetermined magnitude through said conductor means, means ;nor mally engaging and restraining said armature from being moved in said one -direction., and means operable in response to predetermined abnormal conditions to operate said restraining. means and permit movement of said. armature in said one direction.

4; Circuit controlling apparatus comprising contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature for controlling operation of. said contacts, a magnetizable structure having poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions, con-- ductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure, said magnetizable structure acting tomove said armature toward one of said poles when thepvalue of current in said conductor means is in a certain range up to a; predetermined mag. nitude and effecting movement of said armature to the other pole instantaneously when the value of current exceeds said predetermined magnitude, and thermally responsive means normally restraining said armature from moving to said: one pole, said thermally responsive means when heated a predetermined. amount permitting movement of said armature to said one pole.

Circuit controlling apparatus comprisingv contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature for controlling operation of said contact means, magnetizable structure hav ing poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions from normal position, conductor meansior energizing said magnetizable structure, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature toward one of said poles in response to overload currents in said conductor means up to a predetermined value and efiecting movement of said armature instantaneously to the other of said poles upon the occurrence of overload currents in excess of said predetermined value, and a current; responsive bimetal element heated in response to the current in said conductor means normally restraining said armature from moving to said one pole, said bimetal element when heated a predetermined amount by overload current permitting movement of saidarmature to said one pole.

6. Circuit controlling apparatus comprising contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature for controlling operation of said contact means, magnetizable structure having two magnetic circuits in parallel through said armature and two poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions from a normal position, conductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles in response to overload currents below a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature to the other of said poles upon the occurrence of overload currents in excess of said predetermined magnitude, a part of the magnetic circuit that extends through said one pole being designed to saturate at some value of current below said predetermined magnitude, and a current responsive bimetal element normally restraining said armature from moving to said one pole, said bimetal element when heated a predetermined amount by overload current permitting movement of said armature to said one pole.

7. Circuit controlling apparatus comprising contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature for controlling operation of said contact means, magnetizable structure for said armature having two magnetic circuits in parallel through said armature and two poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions from a normal position, conductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles in response to overload currents below a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature to the other of said poles instantaneously upon the occurrence of overload currents above said predetermined magnitude, a latch normally restraining said armature against movement to said one pole, and a current responsive bimetal element operable when heated a predetermined amount in response to overload current to cause said latch to release said armature to thereby permit movement of said armature to said one pole.

8. A circuit interrupter having, in combination, relatively movable contacts, operating mechanism therefor trippable to effect opening of said contacts, electromagnetic means comprising a movable armature movable in opposite directions from a normal unattracted position to cause tripping operation of said circuit breaker operating mechanism, magnetizable structure having two poles on opposite sides of said armature, said armature being movable in opposite directions and effecting tripping of said operating mechanism upon movement in either direction, conductor means energized in response to the current of the circuit for energizing said magnetizable structure, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles when the current in the circuit is within a predetermined range up to a predetermined magnitude, and effecting movement of said armature to the other of said poles upon the occurrence of overload currents in the circuit above said predetermined magnitude, and means normall restraining said armature from moving to said one pole, said last mentioned means permitting movement of said armature to said one pole when predetermined abnormal conditions obtain in the circuit.

9. A circuit interrupter having in combination, relatively movable contacts, operating mechanism therefor, electromagnetic means comprising a movable armature movable in opposite directions from a normal unattracted position to cause automatic opening operation of said circuit breaker mechanism, magnetizable structure hav ing two poles on opposite sides of said armature, said armature being movable in opposite directions from said normal position and causing automatic opening operation of said circuit breaker mechanism upon movement in either direction, conductor means energized in response to the current of the circuit for energizing said magnetizable structure, said, magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles in response to overload current in the circuit below a predetermined magnitude and efiecting movement of said armature to the other pole upon the occurrence of overload currents above said predetermined magnitude, a member normally restraining said armature from moving to said one pole, and time delay means operable to permit movement of said armature to said one pole after a time delay in response to continued overloads below said predetermined magnitude in the circuit.

10. In a circuit breaker having relatively movable contacts, operating mechanism therefor including a member releasable to cause opening of said contacts, latching means for releasably restraining said member, a trip device comprising an armature movable in opposite directions from a normal position to actuate said latching means to release said member, magnetizable structure having two poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions, conductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure in response to the current of the circuit, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles in response to overload currents below a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature instantaneously to the other of said poles upon the occurrence of overload currents above said predetermined magnitude, and a current responsive bimetal latch normally restrainin said armature from moving to said one pole, said bimetal latch when heated a predetenmined amount by overload current being operable to release said armature to thereby permit movement of said armature to said one pole.

11. Circuit controlling apparatus for controlling an electric circuit comprising in combination, contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature movable in opposite directions from a normal position to cause operation of said contact means, magnetizable structure having two poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions, conductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure inresponse to the current offthe circuit; said rriagnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles when the current in the circuit is in a certain range up to a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature to the other of said poles-upon the oc-' currence of overload currents above said prede termined magnitude, and undervoltageresponsive means normally restraining said armature from moving to said one pole when normal voltage conditions obtain in said circuit, said undervoltage responsive means permitting movement of said armature to said one pole in response to a, predetermined drop in voltage in the circuit.

12. Circuit controlling'apparatus for controlling an electric circuit comprising in combination, relatively movable contact means, electromagnetic means including a movable armature movable in opposite directions from a normal position to cause an operation of said contact means, mag netiiable structure having two poles on opposite sides of said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions from its normal position; conductor means for energizingsaid magnetizable structure in response to the current of the circuit, said magnetizable structure acting to move said armature to one of said poles in response to overload currents up to a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature to the other of said poles immediately upon the occurretice of overload currents above said predeter mined magnitude, and 'aidashpotdevice for pro* viding a time delay prior to operation of the arm-ature to said one pole in response to overload currents.

13. An overload protectiverelay for controlling operation of a circuit breaker; comprising electromagnetic means having a movable armature movable in opposite directions from a normal position, means biasing said armature to normal position; relay contacts operated by movement of said armature in either direction, magnetizable structure having two poles on opposite sidesof said armature for moving said armature in opposite directions from itsinormal position; conductor means for energizing said magnetizable structure in response to the current of the circuit; said magnetizabl structure acting to move said armature to one of said polesin response to overload currents up to a predetermined magnitude and effecting movement of said armature instantaneouslyto the other of said poles upon the occur-'- rence of overload currents .abovezsaid predetermined magnitude, a latch normally restraining said armature from moving to said one pole, and a current responsiv bimetal element operable when heated a predetermined amountin response to overload current to cause said latch to release said armature to permit movement thereof to said one pole. c. A

FLOYD S. WHEELER. 

